Gujarat
Gujarat 💖
List of 32 Top Destinations to Visit in
Gujarat
| Rani Ki Vav | Dholavira | Vijay Vilas Palace |
| Gir National Park | Lothal | Uparkot Fort |
| Dwarkadhish Temple | Palitana Jain Temple | Junagadh Buddhist Caves |
| White Desert Kutch | Sun Temple Modhera | Adalak Stepwell |
| Somnath Temple | Akshardham Temple | Kutch Bustard Sanctuary |
| Polo Monument | Ambaji Mata Temple | Statue of Unity |
| Champaner Archaeologial Park | Pols of Ahmedabad | Chhota Udepur |
| Sabarmati Ashram | Wild Ass Sanctuary | Sidhpur |
| Marine National Park | Velvadar Blackbuck National Park | Idar Hill Fort |
| Saputara | Laxmi Vilas Palace | Uvada |
Rani Ki Vav: A Stunning Stepwell Recognized by UNESCO
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 15 for Indians and Rs 200 for foreigners
A stepwell in Patan, Rani Ki Vav was built by Queen (Rani) of Bhimdeva, Udayamanti. Constructed in the 11th century to preserve ground water, Rani ki Vav today is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The major highlights of the stepwell are its walls that are decorated with figurative motifs and showcases images of various gods and goddesses from the Hindu pantheon.
The central part of each storey contains the primary sculpture. Winter is the best season to visit Rani Ki Vav as you can enjoy the light shows, cultural events and exhibitions during the Rani Ki Vav Festival.
Gir National Park: Largest Home for the Asiatic Lions
Best Time to Visit: October to May
Summers Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 9:00 am and 4: 00 pm to 7: 00 pm
Winters Visiting Time: 6:45 am to 9:45 am and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Boasting being the only place in India with the largest population of Asiatic lions, Gir National Park in Junagadh, Gujarat is the best destination for wildlife lovers.
Along with lions, this national park is home to more than 300 bird species like greathorned owl, crested serpent eagle. It is also inhabite by other members of the cat family like leopards.
Dwarkadhish Temple: A Sacred Place for Hindu Pilgrimage
Best Time to Visit: November to February and during Janmashtami
Visiting Time: 7:00 am to 12:00 pm and 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Sudama Setu Timings: 7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm
One of the Chardham destinations and Sapata Turis (seven sacred cities), Dwarkadhish Jagat Mandir in Dwarka, Gujarat is an important religious site. The word ‘Dwarka’ is made of two words – ‘dwara’ meaning road, and ‘ka’ implying eternal significance. Going by the mythological records, Dwarka was the kingdom of Lord Krishna, and he stayed there for quite some time.
This five-storey temple stands on 72 pillars, which according to the science of archeo-astronomy, is of immense significance. The sandstone plinth and walls of the temples are embellished with panels depicting dancers, elephants, musicians and celestial beings. A bridge called Sudama Setu at the base of the temple takes one across the Gomti creek towards the beach.
White Desert – Great Rann of Kutch: A Spectacular Site of Sprawling Salt Desert
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Entry Fee: Rs 100 for adults and Rs 50 for children
A must-visit on a trip to Gujarat, Great Rann of Kutch is reputed to be one of the world’s largest white salt deserts. Spanning over an area of 7500 sq km, the salt desert is best to be visited during the Rann Utsav, which happens between November and March. A tent city is set up amidst the desert for tourists during the Rann Utsav and cultural festivals are organised.
During the festival, one can enjoy camel safaris and can witness traditional handicraft of Gujarat. One can also experience the village life in the nearby rural areas like Hodka and Dhordo.
Somnath Temple: The Jyotirlinga that Withstood the Test of Time
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time
Morning – 7:30 am to 11:30 am
Afternoon – 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Evening – 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
A primary shrine amongst the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, Somnath Temple is located in the small town of Junagadh district and is an important spiritual site in Gujarat. The Hindu temple is known for one of the most expensive aartis.
Locals call this temple as ‘shrine eternal’ because it has withstood the test of time. It was destroyed six times and every time it was rebuilt. The current structure of the temple is built in the Chalukya style of architecture by the master masons of Gujarat, known as Sompuras. The shivling at the temple is believed to be ‘swayambhu’ or self-manifested in the temple.
Polo Monument and Vijaynagar Forest: A Perfect Destination for Camping and Hiking
Best Time to Visit: October to March
The temples of Polo located near Vijaynagar were built between 10th and 15th centuries under the Gurjara – Pratiharas. Later the Rathores extended the construction and used it as a hiding place from enemies, citizens, and even from the scorching sun.
The Polo Forest region has now become a great weekend destination near Ahmedabad where people can enjoy camping and trekking. The major attractions of Polo Forest are Sarneshwar Temple (still in use), Lakha Dera Jain temple and Shiv Shakti Mandir. It is a perfect destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and photographers.
Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park: A Spectacular Site for History Lovers
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 30 for Indians and Rs 500 for foreigners
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Champaner is located in the foothills of Pavagadh and is the best place for history lovers in Gujarat. The Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park extends on a rocky hilltop and has forts, mosques, temples and palaces that reflect the historic and living cultural heritage of Gujarat. The site is a short distance away from Vadodara and makes for a great weekend destination.
Even though a major part of Champaner lies in ruins today, there are many old mosques and palaces that reflect a blend of Islamic and Jain architecture styles. Here one can find 11 different types of heritage monuments belonging to the 16th century like tombs, gateways, mosques, temples, fortresses and walls, palaces, and pavilions, helical wells, custom houses. Kevda Masjid and Cenotaph, Jami Masjid, Lila Gumbaj Ki Masjid, Pavagadh fort, Lakulisa temple, and Helica Step-well, are some of the top attractions to see in Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
Sabarmati Ashram: A Comprehensive Collection Throwing Light on the Life of Mahatma Gandhi
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Visiting Time: 8:30 am to 6:30 pm
Entry Fee: Free
Originally called Satyagraha Ashram, Sabarmati Ashram is Mahatma Gandhi’s second ashram (first being the Kochrab Ashram) where he planned a significant number of freedom movements between 1917 and 1930. This place is perfect for history lovers and those wanting to have a look inside Mahatma Gandhi’s humble life and his immense political power. Sabarmati Ashram is also the top attraction in Ahmedabad.
One can find a special mention of Sabarmati Ashram in the archives of India as Mahatma Gandhi trained activists to join his movements like Swadeshi movements, non-violent and civil disobedience here. Gandhi’s living quarter along with that of his many allies are also situated in Sabarmati Ashram, and there’s an open-air museum that presents an informative record of his life and teachings.
Marine National Park: India’s First Marine National Park
Best Time to Visit: November to March
Visiting Time: Entry is allowed between the two high tides, which means every day, the timings change
An archipelago of 42 islands along the northern coast of Jamnagar and the southern coast of Kutch, Marine National Park is India’s first marine national park and wildlife sanctuary. The park is the only place in India where one can see the coral reefs of different shapes and sizes without diving in the water.
Marine National Park makes for one of the best wildlife destinations in Gujarat. The major attractions here are Pirotan, Narala, Ajad, and Positara. To reach the marine national park, you will have to hire a boat from the Bedi Port or Sikka Port.
Saputara: An Ideal Getaway to Find Respite for Summer Heat
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
If you thought Gujarat is all about forts, palaces, temples and jungles, then you should know that it also has a hill station, Saputara. The only hill station in Gujarat, Saputara is nestled in the Sahyadri hills amidst the dang forest and offers people a great summer holiday option in the state.
The main attractions of Saputara are Honey bees Center, Rose Garden, Lake Garden, Step Garden, Gira Waterfalls, Mahal Forest, Gandhi Shikhar and Sunrise Point.
Dholavira: The Second-Largest Harappan Site in India
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Free
About 250 km from the Bhuj lies an archaeological site of Dholavira in Kutch district that throws light on the Harappan civilization. Sprawling across 100 hectares area, Dholavira is the second-largest Harappan site in India and fifth largest in the Indian sub-continent and dates back to 2900 BC- 1500 BC. Dholavira is a must-visit for every history lover visiting Gujarat.
On a trip to Dholavira, you can walk through the ancient reservoirs and a 5,000-year-old stepwell that reflects the world’s earliest and best planned water conservation systems. One can also see what might be the world’s first signboards, written in ancient Indus script in Dholavira.
Lothal: An Ancient Harappan Port Town Ideal for History Lovers
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Visiting Time: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, Fridays closed
Entry Fee: Rs 5
Like Dholavira, Lothal is also a significant site of the Harappan civilization. At a distance of some odd 75 km from Ahmedabad in Saragwala Village, Lothal is an archaeological site that dates back to 4500 years. Once an important port town, it is one of the best places to visit in Gujarat for history lovers.
To know the place better you can also visit the museum, located at a close proximity to the site and showcases 5089 products unearthed from the excavation like terracotta ornaments, shell and ivory objects, replicas of seal and sealings, tools and potteries yielded from excavations, copper and bronze objects animal and human figurines, weights, etc. The museum also plays a documentary about Lothal and its excavation giving you insights into the place.
Palitana Jain Temple: Home to 3000 Spectacular Temples
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Located atop the Shetrunjay Hill in Bhavnagar District, Palitana Temple is one of the most sacred Jain temples in India. It is known for its 3000 brilliantly carved temples. It is believed that the first Jain Tirthankara, Adinath, visited this hill while his chief disciple Pundarika attained enlightenment here.
This must-see place in Gujarat has approximately 108 large temples and 872 small shrines with about 7000 images that have been built over 900 years from the 11th century by the Jain community. To reach the temple, one has to climb 3800 steps. From the top of the temple, you can see the panoramic view of the Gulf of Cambay and the countryside.
Note: Devotees usually start their climb early in the morning and make their descent by evening as staying at night is not permitted.
Sun Temple: An Architectural Marvel to Not Miss Out
Best Time to Visit: October to March and during Modhera Dance Festival
Visiting Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Built in 1027 AD, the Sun Temple in Modhera in Mehsana District is one of the surviving Indian shrines dedicated to God Sun. It stands as an epitome of the Hindu temple of the Solanki dynasty. Boasting of exquisite architecture, the Sun Temple is an ideal place to visit not only for Hindu pilgrims but history and architecture enthusiasts.
The temple is divided into three parts, which are perfectly aligned from east to west, in accordance with the diety of the sun. Inside the temple complex, you can see a suryakund or a stepwell, prayer hall (also known as Sabhamandapa) supported on 52 pillars and another room (Gudhamandara) that leads to an inner sanctum called Garbhagriha. The temple is a sight to behold during the Modhera Dance Festival.
Akshardham Temple: A Modern-Day Architectural Marvel
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Visiting Time: 9:30 am to 7:30 pm, Mondays are closed
Entry Fee: Free
Exhibition: Adults (Age 11+): Rs 60 and Children (Age 3 – 11): Rs 40
Water Show Tickets: Adults (Age 11+): ₹ 100 and Children (Age 3 – 11): ₹ 70
Established in 1992 in Gandhinagar, Akshardham Temple is dedicated to Lord Swaminarayan, who belongs to Vaishnav tradition. The temple is considered to be one of the top sites to see in Gujarat because of its history as well as architecture.
Set up in an area of over 23 acres, the temple complex serves as a place for education and entertainment. The major highlight of Akshardham Temple is its architecture. It is built of 6000 tons of pink sandstone and no cement or steel has been used in its construction. The main hall of the temple enshrines 7 feet tall idol of Lord Swaminarayan, which is yet another attraction of Akshardham Temple.
Shri Arasuri Ambaji Mata Temple: A Sacred Shaktipeetha for Hindu Pilgrimage
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year and Bhadrapad Purnima and Navratri
Visiting Time: 7:30 am to 11:45 am, 12:15 pm to 4:15 pm, 7:00 pm to 11:00 pm
One of the Shaktipeethas and a prominent religious site in Ambaji, the Ambaji Temple is located on the border of Gujarat and Rajasthan. The legend has it that when Lord Shiva was carrying the burnt body of goddess Sati, her heart fell at the same place where this must-see temple currently stands.
At the Ambaji temple, Visayantra is worshipped and there is no idol of the Goddess. The temple looks its best during Bhadrapad Purnima and Navratri festival.
Pols of Ahmedabad: A Look inside Harmoniums Community Living
Best Time to Visit: October to March
A major tourist attraction in Gujarat, the Pols of Ahmedabad are a reflection of community living. Pols are distinct residential areas that are unique only to Gujarat, and one can find them in significant numbers in Ahmedabad.
There are nearly 174 pols in Ahmedabad, each featuring lovely wooden windows, brackets, balconies, chabutras (raised platforms), and chowks (squares). These are the photographer’s delight and make for one of the best places to visit in Ahmedabad.
Wild Ass Sanctuary: A One of its Kind Wildlife Sanctuary
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time:7:00 am to 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm
Talking about the wildlife tourism places, the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Little Rann of Kutch is one of its kind destinations in Gujarat. Sprawling across an area of 5000 square kilometers, the Wild Ass Sanctuary in Kutch is the only home to the species of wild ass in India. There are around 3000 wild asses in the sanctuary that can be best sighted in and around October and November.
Other than the wild ass, the sanctuary is home to 32 other types of mammals including chinkara (Indian gazelle), jackals, caracals, nilgais (the largest antelope of Asia), Indian wolves, blackbucks, striped hyenas, etc.
Velavadar Blackbuck National Park: Amongst the Fewer Sights to Sight Blackbucks in India
Best Time to Visit: November to May
Visiting Time: 6:30 am to 12:00 pm and from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
For wildlife enthusiasts who’d love a safari in African savannah but are somehow not able to manage the trip, Velavadar Blackbuck National Park in Gujarat is a blessing in all senses. The national park is situated in Bhal region (approximately 150 km from Ahmedabad) and as the name suggests has one of the largest home of blackbucks.
Along with the blackbucks, here you can spot a plethora of birds. Walking is the only way to explore the national park and it is indeed rewarding.
Laxmi Vilas Palace: A Reflection of Gujarat’s Plush History
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Visiting Time: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 150
Museum Fee: Rs 60
Built in 1890 as the private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Laxmi Vilas Palace is indeed one of the grandest structures in India and the top place to visit in Gujarat. Sprawling over an area of 700 acres, the palace is believed to be nearly four times the size of Buckingham Palace and features many buildings like Moti Baug Palace, Makarpura Palace, Pratap Vilas Palace and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum building.
You can easily figure out the magnificence of this palace by the fact that Robert Fellows Chisholm, the head architect, took twelve years to build this grand building. The property also has a Navlakhi stepwell, Maharaja Fatehgarh museum, and a small zoo, which is a resting ground for crocodiles.
Vijay Vilas Palace: A Favourite Film Shooting Location
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Day
Visiting Time: 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee:Rs 10
Camera Fee:Rs 50
When it comes to film shooting, Vijay Vilas Palace in Mandvi is a favorite haunt of the directors in Gujarat. This 20th-century summer palace of Yuvraj Shri Vijayaraji is an impressive Indo-Edwardian and is located quite close to the beach. The palace is made of red sandstones by Mistri and Suthar of Kutch, it features every element of Rajput architecture and bears a striking resemblance to palaces of Orchha and Datia.
A portion of the palace is now converted into a resort that offers luxury accommodation options. Inlaid tile work, distinctive stone carving, manicured garden, intricate jail work, great water streams, and murals are the highlights of Vijay Vilas Palace.
Uparkot Fort: A Place Taking Back in Time
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time: 9:00 am to 6:00 pm
Located in the heart of Junagadh city, Uparkot Fort was built way back in 319 BC by Chandragupta Maurya, the founder of Maurya empire. In the course of 2300 years, this fort has faced many sieges, seen bloodshed, witnessed chivalry of many kings.
Like its exteriors, the interiors of the fort are equally impressive. Inside the fort, there is a Jumma Masjid, Buddhist caves, 300-feet deep moats, and step wells. For architecture lovers, Uparkot Fort is a must-visit in Gujarat.
Junagadh Buddhist Cave Groups: A Fascinating Place for History Buffs
Best Time to Visit: Throughout the Year
Visiting Time: 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
Carved out of Monolithic Rock, this 2000-year-old three-tiered monument is not a cave but three separate rooms namely Khapra Kodiya Caves, Baba Pyare Caves, and Uparkot Caves that were used as the monks’ quarters.
This place in Junagadh District is believed to have been created during the reign of Emperor Ashoka.
Adalaj Vav / Adalaj Stepwell: An Example of Exquisite Architecture
Best Time to Visit: July to March
Visiting Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
Entry Fee: Rs 25
Originally built as a stepwell in 1555 AD in the outskirts of Ahmedabad, Adalaj Vav is the finest example of Indo-Islamic architecture as here one can see a fusion of Hindu craftsmanship and the geometric pattern of Islamic architecture.
What makes this top attraction near Ahmedabad more striking is its series of platforms and galleries built on the side of the stepwell. The circular tank, entrance pavilion at the ground level and the well at the lowest level are the three major attractions of Adalaj stepwell
Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary : Home to One of the Heaviest Flying Birds in the World
Best Time to Visit: August to March
Kutch Great Indian Bustard Sanctuary (Lala–Parjan Sanctuary) is reckoned to be one of the best places in India for spotting the great Indian bustard, one of the heaviest flying birds. The sanctuary is spread over an area of 2 sq km and is the second-largest home ground for the critically endangered species of Indian Bustard.
Other than the Great Indian Bustard, birds that can be spotted in the sanctuary are McQueen’s Bustard, Lesser Florican, Stoliczkas, Bushchats, Merlins.
Statue of Unity: World’s Tallest Statue
Best Time to Visit: October to March
Visiting Time: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, Mondays closed
Entry Fee: Rs 120 + Rs 30 (Bus Charges) for adults and Rs 60 + Rs 30 (Bus Charges) for children
Observation Deck: Rs 350 + Rs 30 (Bus Charges) for adults and Rs 200 + Rs 30 (Bus Charges)
The world’s tallest statue, Statue of Unity is twice the size of the Statue of Liberty and is currently, the most popular tourist attraction in Gujarat. Dedicated to Indian independence activist Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the 182 meter tall statue erected in Narmada Valley Kevadiya colony was completed in 2018.
Apart from the statue, the area around it has also been developed as a tourist destination where a number of activities and attractions can be enjoyed. The sound and laser show, butterfly garden, cactus garden, Ayurvedic wellness center, eco-friendly and medicinal plant nursery, handicraft stores, valley of flowers, forest with native trees, children’s park with train and mirror maze, safari park and zoo are the major highlights of the place. One can also enjoy zip-lining, white water rafting, cycling, and boating on the lake.
Chhota Udepur District: An Ideal Place for Tribal Tourism
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